British Labour councillor Dalat Ali was stopped from boarding a flight to the UK at Lahore Airport on 28 October and reportedly detained for questioning. His name was said to be on Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration Control List. The incident has prompted concerns in Britain, with Labour MP Imran Hussain raising the matter with government ministers.

Islamabad: The detention of British Labour councillor Dalat Ali and the subsequent restriction on his departure from Pakistan have sparked concern in the United Kingdom, bringing renewed attention to his campaigning on Kashmir.

A British citizen of Pakistani origin, Dalat Ali is an author, filmmaker and vocal campaigner for the rights of Kashmiris. He had travelled to Sahiwal in Punjab as part of an official delegation led by Rochdale Mayor Faisal Rana.

However, his return journey to Britain was disrupted on 28 October when he arrived at Lahore Airport. According to reports, he was removed from his flight after officials informed him that his name appeared on the Immigration Control List maintained by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Rochdale Borough Council has suggested that the action may be linked to Dalat Ali’s longstanding involvement in campaigning on Kashmir. Through his writings, he has accused Pakistan of illegally occupying Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Detained and Questioned at Lahore Airport

According to Kashmir Times, Dalat Ali was stopped at Lahore Airport and questioned for several hours before being released following discussions between British and Pakistani officials.

Rochdale Borough Council subsequently confirmed that he had been held in detention for a period of time. The UK Foreign Office also acknowledged that a British national had been detained and later released, adding that it was in contact with local authorities over the matter.

The incident has drawn a response from British Labour MP Imran Hussain, who represents Bradford East. Expressing his concern on social media platform X, Hussain described the action against Dalat Ali as completely unacceptable.

He also confirmed that he had raised the issue with government ministers, urging them to ensure Dalat Ali’s safe return to Britain.

Hussain emphasised the importance of protecting freedom of expression and maintaining respect for the fundamental human rights of Kashmiris.

Calls for British Government Intervention

Indian human rights activist Azhar Ahmed has also voiced concern over the incident, calling on the British government to intervene and address the circumstances surrounding Dalat Ali’s detention.

The episode has also brought attention to the wider human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests over civil liberties and other public demands have continued.

Reports indicate that several people have died during the demonstrations. There have also been allegations of internet shutdowns and restrictions on journalists reporting from the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has reportedly introduced tighter regulations governing foreign media coverage of developments in the area.

In a further development, Kashmiri journalist Danish Irshad, who has been reporting on the protests, has reportedly been placed on a terrorism-related watchlist.

Dalat Ali’s detention has therefore raised broader questions about the treatment of activists and journalists covering Kashmir, as well as the protection of freedom of expression and the right to travel.